Emergency response procedures and first aid protocols for venomous creature encounters on construction sites

Bites and Stings Prevention and Treatment Safe Work Method Statement

WHS Act 2011 Compliant | Australian Venomous Creature Protocols
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Bites and stings from venomous creatures represent one of construction's most immediate and potentially fatal hazards. This Safe Work Method Statement establishes comprehensive procedures for preventing encounters with dangerous snakes, spiders, wasps, and ants on construction sites, along with immediate emergency response protocols when incidents occur. Developed specifically for Australian construction environments where venomous creatures are prevalent, these procedures align with Work Health and Safety Act 2011 requirements and Safe Work Australia guidance for managing biological hazards in the workplace.

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Overview

What this SWMS covers

Bites and stings from venomous creatures constitute a critical biological hazard in Australian construction environments, where workers frequently encounter dangerous snakes, spiders, wasps, ants, and other venomous animals during site work. This Safe Work Method Statement establishes comprehensive procedures for preventing encounters with venomous creatures, implementing effective exclusion measures, and providing immediate emergency response when incidents occur. The procedures address the unique challenges of construction sites including disturbed ground, stored materials, temporary structures, excavations, and confined spaces that attract and harbour venomous wildlife.\n\nPrevention activities focus on systematic site assessment, habitat modification, exclusion barriers, and worker education to minimise encounter opportunities. Workers must understand venomous creature behaviour patterns, recognise danger signs, and implement personal protection measures including appropriate footwear, clothing, and work practices. The SWMS establishes clear protocols for responding to sightings, implementing temporary exclusion zones, and coordinating with licensed pest control operators when professional intervention is required.\n\nEmergency response procedures are critical given the potentially life-threatening nature of envenomation from Australian venomous creatures. Snake bites from species including eastern brown snakes, tiger snakes, and taipans can cause fatal paralysis within minutes if untreated. Spider bites from redback and Sydney funnel-web spiders cause severe pain, tissue damage, and systemic effects. Wasp and ant stings can trigger anaphylactic shock in sensitised individuals. The SWMS ensures all construction sites maintain immediate access to pressure immobilisation bandages, antivenoms, adrenaline auto-injectors, and emergency communication systems.\n\nFirst aid response follows Australian Resuscitation Council guidelines and state ambulance service protocols. Workers receive training in pressure immobilisation techniques for snake bites, cold pack application for spider bites, and epinephrine administration for anaphylaxis. The SWMS documents communication procedures with emergency services, hospital notification requirements, and follow-up medical care coordination. All incidents must be reported through workplace health and safety systems and investigated to identify prevention improvements.\n\nThe procedures apply to all construction activities including site establishment, earthworks, building construction, maintenance, and demolition. Special considerations exist for remote or regional sites where medical evacuation may take hours, requiring enhanced first aid capabilities and communication equipment. Workers conducting night work, early morning activities, or work in undisturbed areas face increased risk due to creature activity patterns.\n\nCompliance with this SWMS demonstrates due diligence under Work Health and Safety Act 2011 Section 19, where PCBUs must eliminate risks from venomous creatures so far as reasonably practicable, or implement effective control measures. The procedures protect workers from preventable injuries, reduce emergency response requirements, and ensure construction sites maintain safe working environments despite Australia's diverse and dangerous wildlife.

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Why this SWMS matters

Venomous creature bites and stings cause significant injuries and fatalities in Australian workplaces each year, with construction sites representing high-risk environments due to disturbed habitats and worker activities that provoke defensive responses from wildlife. The Australian Institute of Health and Welfare reports approximately 3,000 hospitalisations annually from venomous bites and stings, with construction workers disproportionately affected due to occupational exposure in outdoor and disturbed environments. Fatalities occur regularly, with snakes alone responsible for 1-2 deaths annually despite available antivenoms.\n\nThe Work Health and Safety Act 2011 imposes clear obligations on PCBUs to manage biological hazards including venomous creatures. Section 19 requires elimination of risks so far as reasonably practicable, or if elimination proves impossible, implementation of control measures to minimise risks. For construction sites, this duty extends to assessing venomous creature presence, implementing exclusion measures, providing training, ensuring emergency response capabilities, and maintaining incident response procedures. Failure to address these hazards exposes PCBUs to prosecution, with penalties reaching $300,000 for individuals and $3 million for corporations.\n\nConstruction sites create ideal habitats for venomous creatures through ground disturbance, material storage, temporary structures, and excavations that provide shelter and breeding grounds. Snakes seek refuge in formwork, scaffolding, pipe trenches, and underfloor voids. Spiders construct webs in dark corners, roof spaces, and equipment storage areas. Wasps and ants establish nests in undisturbed ground, wall voids, and abandoned equipment. These habitats combined with worker activities including digging, lifting materials, and accessing confined spaces create frequent encounter opportunities.\n\nThe consequences of inadequate bite and sting prevention extend beyond immediate injuries to include significant operational disruptions. Emergency responses require ambulance attendance, site evacuations, and work stoppages while investigations occur. Workers may experience psychological trauma from encounters, developing anxiety about returning to work sites. Compensation claims for treatment, rehabilitation, and lost time represent substantial costs, with some injuries requiring extended recovery periods.\n\nMedical treatment costs for severe envenomation can exceed $100,000, including antivenom administration, intensive care admission, and rehabilitation. The Australian Snakebite Project documents cases where snake bite victims require months of physiotherapy and psychological support. Construction firms face increased insurance premiums following incidents, with some insurers requiring specific venomous creature management plans before providing coverage.\n\nBeyond direct costs, bites and stings impact workforce capacity and project timelines. Injured workers create immediate skill shortages, requiring replacement personnel and training delays. Projects may face completion delays when key personnel cannot work. The reputational damage from safety incidents affects client relationships and tender opportunities, with many construction contracts now requiring demonstrated venomous creature management capabilities.\n\nImplementation of comprehensive bite and sting prevention procedures demonstrates industry leadership and protects workers from entirely preventable hazards. The procedures establish systematic assessment methods, proven exclusion techniques, and immediate response protocols that transform high-risk construction sites into safe working environments. PCBUs implementing these measures protect their most valuable asset—their workforce—while ensuring regulatory compliance and operational continuity.

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Hazard identification

Surface the critical risks tied to this work scope and communicate them to every worker.

Risk register

Snake Bite from Venomous Species During Site Work

high

Construction workers face snake bite risks when working in excavations, trenches, underfloor areas, roof spaces, formwork, scaffolding, and disturbed ground areas where snakes seek shelter. Eastern brown snakes, tiger snakes, death adders, and taipans are highly venomous and aggressive when threatened. Bites occur during digging, material handling, equipment operation, and confined space entry. Venom causes rapid paralysis, bleeding disorders, and organ failure if untreated. Construction sites provide ideal snake habitats through ground disturbance and debris accumulation. Workers may not notice snakes until disturbed, with bites often occurring on ankles and legs.

Consequence: Fatal paralysis within minutes, permanent organ damage, amputation from necrosis, psychological trauma, work stoppages, emergency evacuation requirements

Redback Spider Bites in Concealed Work Areas

high

Redback spiders construct messy webs in dark, sheltered locations including underfloor areas, roof voids, equipment storage, temporary structures, pipe trenches, and abandoned materials. Construction activities disturb these spiders, causing defensive bites. Venom causes severe pain, sweating, muscle spasms, and tissue necrosis. Bites occur when workers place hands in webs, move stored materials, or access confined spaces without inspection. Spiders remain active year-round, with increased activity in warmer months. Multiple bites possible when disturbing large webs.

Consequence: Intense pain requiring hospital admission, tissue death requiring surgical intervention, systemic effects including nausea and hypertension, long-term nerve damage

Sydney Funnel-Web Spider Encounters in Damp Areas

high

Funnel-web spiders burrow in cool, damp soil and construct silk-lined burrows in garden beds, under concrete slabs, and in retaining walls. Construction excavation and trenching activities expose these burrows, causing spiders to emerge aggressively. Bites deliver highly toxic venom causing rapid respiratory failure and coma. Workers face highest risk when digging, operating excavators, or working in recently disturbed soil. Spiders defend burrows aggressively when threatened, with males wandering during mating season. Venom acts rapidly, requiring immediate medical intervention.

Consequence: Respiratory failure and cardiac arrest within minutes, permanent brain damage from hypoxia, death if untreated, emergency helicopter evacuation requirements

European Wasp and Bull Ant Stings During Outdoor Work

medium

Wasps establish nests in undisturbed ground, wall voids, equipment, and trees near construction sites. Bull ants create large nests in soil and under concrete. Workers disturb these nests during earthworks, landscaping, and material handling. Multiple stings cause severe allergic reactions, with bull ant venom causing intense pain and tissue damage. Sensitised individuals experience anaphylactic shock requiring immediate adrenaline administration. Nest disturbance during peak activity periods (summer months) increases sting frequency. Construction noise and vibration may agitate colonies.

Consequence: Anaphylactic shock and death in sensitised individuals, severe pain and swelling, multiple stings causing systemic toxicity, emergency evacuation and adrenaline administration

Tick Bites and Disease Transmission

medium

Ticks infest long grass, shrubs, and ground cover near construction sites, attaching to workers during vegetation clearing, surveying, and perimeter work. Paralysis ticks cause ascending paralysis by injecting neurotoxin. Other species transmit Lyme disease and other infections. Workers fail to notice ticks due to focus on tasks, with ticks attaching to warm, moist areas including armpits and groin. Construction sites near bushland or rural areas increase exposure risk. Ticks remain attached for days before detection.

Consequence: Progressive paralysis requiring intensive care, Lyme disease with chronic symptoms, delayed diagnosis due to gradual symptom onset, long-term neurological damage

Blue-Ringed Octopus Exposure During Coastal Work

medium

Blue-ringed octopuses inhabit intertidal zones and rock pools near coastal construction sites. Workers handling rocks, conducting marine surveys, or working in tidal areas risk encountering these highly venomous cephalopods. Bites occur when stepping on or handling octopuses, with venom causing rapid paralysis and respiratory failure. Coastal construction including seawall installation, marina development, and beach access construction increases exposure. Octopuses are cryptic and difficult to spot among rocks and seaweed.

Consequence: Rapid respiratory paralysis and drowning, death within minutes if untreated, requires immediate antivenom and ventilation support

Delayed Medical Response in Remote Construction Sites

medium

Remote or regional construction sites face delayed emergency response times, with ambulance arrival potentially taking hours rather than minutes. Venomous bites require immediate treatment including pressure immobilisation, antivenom administration, and airway management. Delayed response increases risk of permanent damage or death. Sites without direct ambulance access require helicopter evacuation or long-distance road transport. Communication systems must function reliably for emergency coordination.

Consequence: Increased fatality risk from delayed treatment, permanent disability from untreated envenomation, helicopter evacuation costs exceeding $50,000

Control measures

Deploy layered controls aligned to the hierarchy of hazard management.

Implementation guide

Site Venomous Creature Assessment and Habitat Modification

Elimination

Conduct systematic site inspections to identify venomous creature habitats and modify environments to eliminate attraction factors. Remove potential snake shelter including debris piles, unused materials, and overgrown vegetation. Fill trenches and excavations at end of each workday. Install snake-proof fencing around site perimeters. Clear vegetation from work areas and maintain grass at less than 10cm height. Remove rock piles, timber stacks, and corrugated iron sheets that provide shelter. Conduct professional pest control inspections quarterly.

Implementation

1. Conduct weekly visual inspections of site for snake tracks, spider webs, and insect nests 2. Remove all construction debris, unused materials, and rubbish from site daily 3. Install and maintain snake-proof mesh fencing (minimum 30cm height) around entire site perimeter 4. Clear vegetation and maintain mown grass buffer zone (2m width) around work areas 5. Fill all trenches, excavations, and holes at end of each shift 6. Store materials off ground on pallets or racks (minimum 30cm clearance) 7. Install vibration-activated devices in high-risk areas to deter snakes 8. Engage licensed pest controller for quarterly professional inspections 9. Document all assessment findings and control implementations 10. Review and update assessment monthly or after significant weather events

Personal Protective Equipment and Work Practices

PPE

Implement comprehensive PPE requirements and safe work practices to reduce bite and sting risks. Require steel-capped boots with snake gaiters for all outdoor work. Provide long pants, long-sleeved shirts, and gloves for vegetation work. Implement 'stop, look, listen' protocols before entering confined spaces or disturbed areas. Never work alone in high-risk areas. Use tools rather than hands to move materials. Shake out clothing and equipment before use.

Implementation

1. Issue snake gaiters and steel-capped boots to all workers on site 2. Require long pants, long-sleeved shirts, and gloves for all outdoor activities 3. Implement buddy system - never work alone in high-risk areas 4. Conduct 'shake out' procedure for clothing and equipment retrieved from storage 5. Use sticks or tools to probe areas before placing hands in confined spaces 6. Avoid working in long grass or vegetation without clearing path first 7. Install mirrors on extendable poles for inspecting under structures 8. Provide headlamps for working in dark areas like underfloor spaces 9. Prohibit eating or drinking in areas where venomous creatures may be present 10. Train all workers in venomous creature recognition and avoidance techniques

Emergency Response Equipment and First Aid Training

Administrative

Maintain comprehensive emergency response capabilities including pressure immobilisation bandages, antivenoms, adrenaline auto-injectors, and communication systems. Ensure all workers receive venomous creature first aid training annually. Display emergency contact numbers prominently. Maintain defibrillator on site. Coordinate with local ambulance service for response protocols.

Implementation

1. Maintain pressure immobilisation bandages (minimum 10 on site) 2. Stock comprehensive antivenom kit including tiger snake, brown snake, and redback antivenom 3. Provide adrenaline auto-injectors (EpiPen) with trained personnel 4. Install defibrillator with trained operators on site 5. Display emergency contact numbers at all site entrances and amenities 6. Conduct annual venomous creature first aid training for all workers 7. Establish communication protocol with local ambulance service 8. Maintain satellite phone or emergency communication device 9. Create emergency response plan with evacuation procedures 10. Document all emergency equipment checks and maintenance

Exclusion Barriers and Signage Systems

Engineering

Install physical barriers and warning systems to prevent access to high-risk areas. Use snake-proof mesh for excavations and trenches. Install warning signs at site entrances and high-risk areas. Create designated pathways away from vegetation. Implement lighting in dark areas to deter nocturnal creatures. Use vibration devices to deter snakes from work areas.

Implementation

1. Install snake-proof mesh over all excavations deeper than 30cm 2. Place warning signs at all site entrances: 'Venomous Creatures Present - Wear PPE' 3. Create cleared pathways (minimum 1m wide) through vegetation to work areas 4. Install motion-activated lighting in underfloor and roof void access points 5. Use vibration devices (solar-powered snake repellents) around site perimeter 6. Install exclusion fencing around known creature habitats 7. Place warning signs on all ladders, scaffolding, and elevated work platforms 8. Implement color-coded zoning system (green=safe, yellow=caution, red=high risk) 9. Install web-clearing devices on access points to confined spaces 10. Maintain clear signage system updated after each pest control inspection

Incident Response and Medical Coordination

Administrative

Establish clear incident response procedures with immediate communication to emergency services. Do not attempt to capture or kill venomous creatures. Apply pressure immobilisation for snake bites. Seek immediate medical attention for all suspected bites. Maintain incident response log with follow-up medical coordination.

Implementation

1. Call emergency services (000) immediately for all suspected bites/stings 2. Apply pressure immobilisation bandage for snake bites (firm, not tight) 3. Do not attempt to capture, kill, or identify the creature 4. Transport victim to hospital while maintaining pressure immobilisation 5. Administer adrenaline for anaphylactic reactions if trained 6. Notify Poisons Information Centre (13 11 26) for treatment advice 7. Record incident details including time, location, symptoms, and response 8. Coordinate follow-up medical care and rehabilitation 9. Conduct incident investigation within 24 hours 10. Update SWMS based on investigation findings and implement improvements

Weather and Seasonal Risk Management

Administrative

Adjust work practices based on weather conditions and seasonal creature activity patterns. Avoid work in extreme heat when snakes are more active. Implement additional controls during warmer months. Monitor weather forecasts for conditions that increase creature activity. Schedule high-risk work during cooler parts of day.

Implementation

1. Monitor temperature - implement additional controls above 25°C 2. Schedule outdoor work during cooler morning hours (before 10am) 3. Increase PPE requirements during summer months (December-February) 4. Monitor weather forecasts for conditions favoring creature activity 5. Implement buddy system during high-risk weather conditions 6. Provide additional training before seasonal activity peaks 7. Adjust work schedules to avoid dusk/night work when possible 8. Install temporary cooling stations during heat waves 9. Monitor worker fatigue which increases risk-taking behavior 10. Review seasonal risk assessments quarterly

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Personal protective equipment

Steel-capped safety boots with snake gaiters

Requirement: AS/NZS 2210.3 Class 1 boots with integral snake gaiters extending minimum 15cm above boot top

When: All outdoor work, excavations, vegetation clearing, and site perimeter activities

Long pants and long-sleeved shirts

Requirement: Heavy-duty cotton or synthetic blend clothing, tucked into boots and gaiters

When: All work in vegetation, long grass, or areas with potential snake/spider habitat

Safety gloves (leather or synthetic)

Requirement: AS/NZS 2161.3 compliant gloves providing puncture and bite protection

When: Handling materials, working in confined spaces, or vegetation management

Safety glasses or face shield

Requirement: AS/NZS 1337 compliant eye protection

When: Working in dusty areas or where falling debris may dislodge creatures

Wide-brimmed hat

Requirement: Legionnaire-style hat providing neck and face protection

When: Outdoor work during daylight hours

High-visibility vest

Requirement: AS/NZS 4602 compliant with retro-reflective tape

When: Working near traffic or mobile plant where visibility is critical

Inspections & checks

Before work starts

  • ✓Conduct daily visual inspection of work areas for snake tracks, spider webs, and insect nests
  • ✓Check all PPE for damage and ensure proper fit before commencing work
  • ✓Verify emergency equipment (bandages, antivenoms, communication devices) is accessible and in date
  • ✓Review weather conditions and adjust work practices for temperature extremes
  • ✓Confirm buddy system is in place for high-risk activities
  • ✓Check exclusion barriers and signage are in place and visible
  • ✓Inspect tools and equipment for creature habitation before use
  • ✓Verify emergency contact numbers are displayed and current

During work

  • ✓Maintain constant awareness of surroundings, especially when moving materials or accessing confined spaces
  • ✓Stop work immediately if venomous creature is sighted and establish exclusion zone
  • ✓Monitor workers for signs of distress or unusual behavior
  • ✓Check PPE condition throughout shift, especially after contact with vegetation
  • ✓Verify communication devices are functioning and within range
  • ✓Monitor weather conditions and implement additional controls as needed
  • ✓Conduct regular toolbox talks about venomous creature risks
  • ✓Document any near-misses or sightings for hazard register

After work

  • ✓Conduct final sweep of work areas for any disturbed creatures
  • ✓Secure all materials and equipment to prevent creature habitation overnight
  • ✓Document any incidents, near-misses, or control measure implementations
  • ✓Clean and store PPE appropriately for next use
  • ✓Report any damaged exclusion barriers or signage for repair
  • ✓Review incident response effectiveness if any events occurred
  • ✓Update hazard register with any new findings
  • ✓Conduct debrief with workers about day's activities and lessons learned

Step-by-step work procedure

Give supervisors and crews a clear, auditable sequence for the task.

Field ready
1

Site Assessment and Preparation

Conduct comprehensive site assessment to identify venomous creature habitats and implement exclusion measures. Walk perimeter and work areas to identify potential snake shelter sites, spider web locations, and insect nest areas. Remove debris, unused materials, and overgrown vegetation that provide creature habitat. Install snake-proof mesh over excavations and establish cleared pathways through vegetation.

Safety considerations

Wear full PPE including snake gaiters during assessment. Use sticks to probe potential hiding spots rather than hands. Work with a buddy system. Never attempt to handle or remove creatures yourself.

2

PPE Donning and Safety Briefing

Ensure all workers don appropriate PPE before commencing any outdoor or high-risk activities. Steel-capped boots with snake gaiters must be worn by all personnel. Long pants must be tucked into boots, and long-sleeved shirts worn. Conduct toolbox talk covering venomous creature identification, avoidance techniques, and emergency response procedures. Verify emergency equipment locations and communication protocols.

Safety considerations

Inspect all PPE for damage before use. Ensure proper fit - gaiters must extend above boot tops. Workers with known allergies must carry personal adrenaline auto-injectors. Confirm emergency contact numbers are memorised.

3

Work Area Clearing and Access

Clear vegetation and debris from immediate work areas before commencing activities. Create designated pathways through long grass or vegetation. Shake out any clothing, tools, or equipment retrieved from storage areas. Use tools rather than hands to move materials or access confined spaces. Install temporary barriers around high-risk areas identified during assessment.

Safety considerations

Never reach into dark areas, holes, or confined spaces without first probing with a stick. Watch for defensive behaviors from creatures. Stop immediately if any creature is sighted and establish safe exclusion zone.

4

Ongoing Hazard Monitoring

Maintain constant situational awareness throughout work activities. Regularly scan surroundings for creature movement or signs of habitation. Monitor for changes in weather that may affect creature activity. Conduct periodic checks of exclusion barriers and signage. Report any sightings or unusual creature behavior immediately to supervisor.

Safety considerations

Never work alone in high-risk areas. Maintain communication with other workers at all times. Be particularly vigilant during early morning work when snakes are most active.

5

Emergency Response Procedures

If a bite or sting occurs, stop work immediately and activate emergency response. Call emergency services (000) and Poisons Information Centre (13 11 26). Apply pressure immobilisation bandage for snake bites. Do not attempt to capture or kill the creature. Transport victim to medical facility while maintaining immobilisation. Administer adrenaline if anaphylaxis symptoms appear and trained personnel are available.

Safety considerations

Do not delay calling emergency services. Pressure immobilisation must be applied correctly - firm but not tourniquet-tight. Keep victim calm and immobilised. Record all details of incident for medical personnel.

6

Incident Documentation and Review

Document all incidents, near-misses, and control measure implementations. Record time, location, symptoms, and response actions taken. Conduct investigation within 24 hours to identify contributing factors and prevention improvements. Update SWMS based on findings. Provide follow-up support to affected workers and conduct debrief with all site personnel.

Safety considerations

Treat all suspected bites seriously, even if symptoms are minimal initially. Some venoms have delayed effects. Ensure psychological support is available for workers affected by incidents.

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Frequently asked questions

What are the most dangerous venomous creatures encountered on Australian construction sites?

Eastern brown snakes pose the highest risk with highly toxic venom causing rapid paralysis. Sydney funnel-web spiders deliver potentially fatal bites requiring immediate antivenom. Redback spiders cause severe pain and systemic effects. European wasps and jack jumper ants can trigger fatal anaphylaxis in sensitised individuals. All construction sites must prepare for these species with appropriate first aid and emergency response capabilities.

How should pressure immobilisation be applied for snake bites?

Apply a pressure immobilisation bandage firmly over the bite site using a crepe bandage, then extend to cover the entire limb. The bandage should be firm enough to restrict lymphatic drainage but not so tight as to act as a tourniquet - you should be able to slip one finger under the bandage. Splint the limb to prevent movement. Keep the victim immobilised and seek immediate medical attention. Do not cut the wound, attempt to suck out venom, or apply ice.

What first aid should be provided for spider bites on construction sites?

For redback spider bites, apply ice packs wrapped in cloth for 15-minute intervals to reduce pain and swelling. Monitor for systemic symptoms including nausea, sweating, and muscle spasms. For funnel-web bites, call emergency services immediately as antivenom is required. Do not attempt to catch the spider for identification. All suspected spider bites require medical assessment due to potential for delayed or severe reactions.

How can construction sites reduce snake encounters?

Maintain clear, mown vegetation around work areas with a minimum 2-metre buffer zone. Install snake-proof fencing around site perimeters. Remove debris piles, unused materials, and corrugated iron that provide snake shelter. Fill trenches and excavations at the end of each workday. Store materials off the ground on pallets. Conduct regular pest control inspections and implement vibration devices to deter snakes from active work areas.

What emergency equipment must be available for venomous creature incidents?

Pressure immobilisation bandages (minimum 6-10 on site), comprehensive antivenom kit including snake and spider antivenoms, adrenaline auto-injectors (EpiPen), defibrillator with trained operators, first aid kit with ice packs and wound dressings, satellite phone or emergency communication device, and stretcher for immobilised transport. All equipment must be checked weekly and within expiry dates.

When should workers seek medical attention for bites and stings?

Seek immediate medical attention for all suspected snake bites, funnel-web spider bites, or signs of anaphylaxis including difficulty breathing, swelling of tongue/throat, or widespread hives. Medical assessment is required for redback spider bites due to potential systemic effects. Any bite or sting causing significant pain, swelling, or unusual symptoms requires professional evaluation, even if initially mild.

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